A new species of Diomus Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Diomini) from the eastern Amazon

Abstract

ABSTRACT A new coccinellid species, Diomus leondai sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Diomini) is described from northeast Brazil, São Luis, municipality of Raposa, Cumbique. The specimens collected were found feeding on Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley and Phenacoccus sp. on the branches, leaves, and fruits of Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench, Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex. Hiern and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae), and Capsicum spp. and Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae). Some concepts behind the definition and scope of the genus Diomus and tribe Diomini are analyzed, recognizing the need to better characterize its morphological aspects and establish its composition more precisely.

Keywords

• Coccidophagus
• Predator
• South America
• Taxonomy